St. Lawrence College moves to ‘alternative delivery’ for final exams

With the rapidly-rising cases of COVID-19 locally – and the confirmed presence of the highly-transmissible Omicron variant in the region – St. Lawrence College (SLC) has announced the decision to have all final exams done through ‘alternative delivery.’

This comes Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, the same day Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health for Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) Public Health announced new restrictions for the region through a Section 22 order, and the day after Queen’s University announced it would be delivering the remaining fall term exams in a virtual format.

“In response to public health policy and rapidly evolving conditions in our community… final exams are shifting to alternative delivery, while smaller in-person lab tests will proceed on campus as planned,” SLC said in a press release.

This shift is effective as of Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, the College said.

“Campus buildings remain open with all current public health and safety measures in place. Note campus access remains closed to the general public,” the press release reads.

The College clarified that ‘alternative delivery’ could mean take-home exams, or exams that are not occurring at the same time, and students will receive details on how and when final exams are being delivered via their learning management system, Blackboard.

“SLC remains committed to supporting students in completing their fall term successfully while following the direction and guidance of public health,” the College said.

SLC said that the resources and information available on its website outline processes for accessing campus, the SLC mask and vaccination policy, and more.

“We recognize the incredible efforts being put forth by regional public health units, to protect our local health care system and to manage the pandemic,” SLC President and CEO Glenn Vollebregt said in a statement.

“While our students have been respectful of Public Health guidelines, and our campus community is operating aligned with provincial frameworks, this adjustment to alternative delivery for end-of-term exams is a precaution we gladly take as community partners.”